Posted on January 6, 2022
SAFE WATERWAYS: State program helped clear Oak Orchard Harbor
WATERPORT — A dredging project which helped maintain two Orleans County waterways has completed its second phase.
The work was part of New York state’s $15 million Regional Dredging Project — an effort which is itself part of the state’s $300 million Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative.
“Communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River have endured so much already at the hands of flood waters and our dredging operations are playing a critical role in creating more resilient shorelines,” said Gov, Kathy Hochul. “With this work now complete, residents and tourists alike will benefit from enhanced access of these critical waterways, helping to bolster local economies and promote safe recreational boating.”
The REDI Regional Dredging Project was established in 2019. It aims to provide a comprehensive approach for dredging harbor navigation channels used primarily for recreational boating and refuges.
The dredging removed built-up sediment from the bottom of affected waterways, allowing for continued safe harbor and passage of watercraft.
A total of 20 harbor navigation channels were dredged as part of the project. More than 75% of the dredged sediment was used beach renourishment, littoral placement, and general fill, following its removal from the waterways.
Oak Orchard Harbor and Johnson Creek were dredged in Orleans County.
“On behalf of all the member counties of the Lake Ontario Regional Dredging Management Council (formed as a shared services initiative by the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance), our sincere appreciation goes to the governor and all of those who made this vital economic-generating project possible,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson.
The harbors included in the Regional Dredging Project along the southern shore of Lake Ontario are estimated to generate $94 million in economic activity, with $3.8 million in state tax revenues and an additional $3.8 million for local communities annually. The harbors support more than 1,350 local jobs.
It’s anticipated Phase III will take place this year, with the state transitioning program management to the counties and providing information they need to update, expand and implement an existing Regional Dredging Management Plan to keep the channels operational.
